Feeling hungry frequently is normal for kids since they are growing. However, eating processed foods with added sugars and refined flour is unhealthy and expensive. Besides, you need to ensure that your child receives adequate energy and nutrition to support their physical and mental development. Snack time is one opportunity where you can slip additional nutrients into your child’s meal regime. Here are seven healthy kid snacks you can make without any hassles: Rainbow fruit skewers It is not unknown how vital fruits are for our daily nutrition intake. They are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals and should be eaten in plenty. If you wish to get your child to develop a habit of eating fruits, these rainbow skewers can be a fun way to do that. They are so colorful and tasty that even your child would like to help you in the preparation. Get a couple of wooden skewers and stuff each of them with fruits. You can use  raspberries,  strawberries,  segments of tangerine,  cubes of peeled mangoes, and  pieces of peeled pineapples. You can also add  peeled kiwi chunks,  red or green grapes, and  blueberries.  After that, arrange them in such a way that they appear vibrant like a rainbow. Once done, serve the skewers on a plate and let your child help themselves. Yogurt with fruits or yogurt popsicles Yogurt is another ideal snack you can offer your child. It is incredibly rich in calcium and protein, which are specifically vital for children in their growing years. While calcium takes care of bone health, proteins look at muscle development. It also contains a bit of healthy fat, making your child feel full for longer. Furthermore, specific yogurts also have good bacteria, making them ideal for your child’s gut health. However, you must know that most yogurts available in the market for kids tend to contain excessive sugar.

Trash bags are one of the most common things one will find in a person’s house. These bags help get rid of garbage like stale food and debris efficiently. But that’s not the only purpose they serve. The compact, lightweight, and cost-effective nature of trash bags lets us use them for other reasons too. These nine uses for trash bags other than getting rid of trash from the house are truly amazing. To collect items One of the most basic roles of a trash bag is to collect waste in a single place. But one could also use it to collect other items in their home, such as stored vegetables, cans, bottles, or fruits. Small items like old toys, blankets, and backup appliances could also be kept safe in a plastic bag. However, people should not forget to cover any sharp edges as this could tear the bag and cause the items to fall. Protection against the rain If it’s pouring on a day someone needs to travel, they could always use a trash bag to keep important things dry. It could be anything, like food, clothes, documentation, and electronics that are sensitive to water. A person could also seal important belongings in a trash bag if they ever need to cross a river while camping. Further, people can keep their shoes and feet dry in rainy weather or a wet region by stepping into trash bags and tying them shut against their shins. Ponchos Even if someone has an umbrella with them, harsh weather may wet their clothes. A trash bag could help in this situation. All one needs to do is take a large trash bag, cut holes for their head and arms, and wear it like a shirt. This temporary raincoat should help protect the individual against wet weather.

Many scientific reports have found that diabetes is on the rise as a result of the pandemic. This is apparently possible due to the virus worsening pre-existing diabetes in people through increased insulin resistance. Studies have found that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. Due to these developments, it is imperative for everyone to know the noticeable signs of excessive sugar intake and blood sugar composition. Signs that you’re consuming excess sugar: Constant craving for sugary things The reward center in your brain activates when you ingest some food or drink containing sugar. When sugar enters your body, your brain responds to dopamine, also known as feel-good chemicals. To put it simply, the brain informs your body that it feels good and wants more of that sweet-tasting thing. The issue with such a feeling is that your brain gets addicted to it over time and starts craving more. This is similar to how you develop an alcohol tolerance and need more of it to feel the buzz. Feeling lethargic throughout the day The pleasure of the sweet taste spikes your insulin, which makes the brain happy. But after this initial high, it is inevitable for your brain to come down and feel low. It must be noted that your energy levels directly correlate with your glucose intake. If your glucose intake levels are stable, your energy levels will also remain stable. However, if you ingest too much glucose, your energy levels will go up suddenly and then have an abrupt landing, making you feel sluggish all day. To maintain your energy levels, it is vital to complement your sugar intake with lots of fiber and protein. Developing skin problems Excessive sugar intake leads to sudden insulin spikes. This sets off a gush of hormones which starts showing in the form of acne or rosacea.

Depression, one of the common mental disorders, affects about 5% of the global population. There are three stages of the disorder, namely mild, moderate, and severe. The moderate and severe forms can impact a person’s daily routine. In many cases, severely depressed people can feel suicidal. About 17.3 million people suffer from depression, and the disorder is more prevalent in females than males. These are the three ways to help manage mental disorders: Get treated   Although challenging and long-term, the illness is treatable. Getting the proper treatment at the right time can make a crucial difference to the quality of life. REXULTI and CAPLYTA are two proven treatment methodologies that have benefited many.    REXULTI This is a psychiatric treatment belonging to the atypical antipsychotics class and is used for treating certain mental illnesses, including depression. It typically re-instates some of the natural chemicals in the brain and helps deal with everyday situations by controlling thoughts, nervousness, and hallucinations. It also positively influences the person’s energy levels, enhancing appetite, mood, and sleep quality. Caplyta This is another treatment that has proven results in the case of bipolar and depression. It is advised for adults and is used for treating patients suffering from bipolar I and II. It affects certain natural compounds in the brain like serotonin and dopamine, resulting in improved mood. What to eat   There is no typical meal plan that people suffering from depression need to have. Doctors advise balanced meals so that the person’s overall health remains stable. For example, eating foods rich in antioxidants help fight free radicals and can create a healthy ecosystem for brain cells. If depression is making daily life difficult, consider choosing from these food items to boost mood:   Dark chocolate This is brilliant as a mood enhancer and acts as an antidepressant.

Osteoporosis leads to the loss of bone mass and bone mineral density. It causes the bones to become weak and brittle from the inside, making them more porous. Once individuals reach a certain age, the natural process of bone regeneration slows down, resulting in loss of bone loss, especially in the event of physical injury. With osteoporosis, the bones become more prone to fracture even during routine activities like walking, bathing, and standing. Risk factors associated with osteoporosis Various factors increase a person’s chances of developing osteoporosis. Some of these aspects can be modified, while others are hard to avoid. For example, the body absorbs old bone tissues and produces new ones so that it can maintain the strength and density of the bones and, thereby, the structural integrity. As a person grows older, the bone breaks faster than it rebuilds itself. If this breakdown occurs excessively, bone loss progresses to osteoporosis. This disease can affect both men and women but is more likely to affect women after menopause. This happens due to a sudden decrease in estrogen. Here are some unavoidable factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis- Age The risk of developing osteoporosis increases after the mid-30s. This happens mostly with women after menopause. Genetic factors If you have a close family member who was diagnosed with osteoporosis, then there are more chances that you will also have to deal with the same issue. Ethnicity It is said that individuals of Caucasian and and Asian descent have a higher risk as compared to others. This is due to the lack of vitamin D in their body. Reduced sex hormones Lower estrogen levels lead to bone loss. So, reduced sex hormones are also a reason for the onset of this disease. History of fractures If you have a history of suffering too many fractures, it is more likely that you will be diagnosed with osteoporosis.

The kidneys’ primary function is to filter blood and remove any harmful properties. However, individuals can develop masses such as growths or tumors inside the kidneys, which can stop them from doing their job properly. And while these could be signs of other health conditions, they may also indicate kidney cancer. Therefore, it is essential to learn about the signs of this mutation to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible. Here are a few signs that point toward kidney cancer: Blood in the urine (hematuria) The normal color of urine ranges from clear to pale yellow. Sometimes, this color may also change based on the foods one eats. For example, blackberries, beets, and fava beans may turn urine pink or red. Furthermore, certain treatment options may cause the color of the urine to turn orange or green. However, the reddish color of one’s urine might indicate that something isn’t right with the organ. It could point toward the presence of an infection or cancer. A healthcare expert must immediately diagnose such developments. Abdominal lump One of the most common indicators of kidney cancer is a hard lump that forms in the abdominal region. The development may occur in the front or rear of the region. Furthermore, this complication may also feel like a dense or hard bulge under the affected skin. Though a lump in the abdominal region is a common warning sign of kidney cancer, it may not show up in the early stages. Therefore, when one notices such a symptom, one must get an expert’s opinion. Lower back pain Aches and pains may occur due to several factors, such as age and injuries. But lower back pain is also an early indicator of late-stage kidney cancer. The symptoms are unlike typical muscular pains. Instead, the pain caused by kidney cancer might result in an unbearable, stabbing sensation.

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that gradually affects the nervous system, potentially impacting areas controlled by the nerves. The symptoms of the disease may occur gradually and may show themselves until a much later stage. But to get the most out of treatments for Parkinson’s disease, it is crucial to diagnose the condition when it just begins. Therefore, here are 12 early warning signs that could help identify the condition early and slow its progression. Tremors One may experience tremors for several reasons, including low blood sugar, stress, anxiety, and the side effects of ongoing prescriptions. However, the symptom might also be a warning sign of Parkinson’s disease. One may notice the first signs of tremors in the limbs, such as hands and fingers. A person with Parkinson’s may also rub the thumb and forefinger back and forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Furthermore, the symptom may stop while performing tasks but resume at rest. Bradykinesia As one ages, one’s physical abilities may decline, resulting in decreased mobility. However, individuals with Parkinson’s may also experience this condition, called bradykinesia. This may cause difficulty in performing even basic tasks and take longer than usual to complete them. Furthermore, one may notice that one’s steps become shorter while walking, and one may also drag or shuffle one’s feet while trying to walk. Parkinson’s disease may also make it difficult for the person to get out of a chair. Stiffness in the muscles An individual may develop stiff muscles due to trigger factors such as injuries, insect bites, and the after-effects of exercise. But if an individual is in perfect health and still starts to notice the muscles turning rigid, one must consult an expert immediately. It could occur due to multiple health complications, including Parkinson’s disease. The muscle pain can also be annoying and limit the individual’s range of motion.

Most people love eating sugary foods or beverages, but it often comes at a cost. Excessive intake of sugar-rich foods is known to cause various health concerns affecting the eyes, kidneys, liver, skin, and even the ears. It happens due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels in one’s body, paving the way for chronic conditions like diabetes. Keep reading to learn more about the various hearing issues caused by excessive sugar intake and their warning signs. Hearing problems and other ear issues caused by excessive sugar intake Decreased hearing Hearing loss is extremely common among older adults as it happens with age. However, other factors can play a pivotal role in developing this condition, including diabetes, prolonged exposure to loud noises, and excess ear wax. Usually, when it comes to diabetes, one of the main reasons patients can develop hearing loss or decreased hearing is the damage caused to the blood vessels in the inner ear. But diabetes can also cause other complications, including auditory nerve damage, where one may experience problems like sounds fading in and out. Loss of balance As mentioned previously, uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the ear. Sometimes, when damage occurs to the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, it can lead to loss of balance. In such cases, one can have an increased risk of dizziness and falls. Hence, patients experiencing this ear issue must consult a health expert immediately. Tinnitus Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of developing an ear problem known as tinnitus. Here, one may notice a constant ringing sensation in their ears. While the connection between diabetes and tinnitus requires more study, this ear issue can be caused due reduced functioning of the ear cells and auditory nerves. It means diabetes patients with insulin resistance can, over time, experience tinnitus as one of the hearing problems triggered by excessive sugar intake.

Sleep is a vital and fundamental biological process that contributes to maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. However, sleep often takes a backseat in today’s hustle and bustle, which can lead to several side effects that affect physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s look at some of these side effects and their significant role in leading a healthy lifestyle. Always consult a doctor about any severe side effects of sleep deprivation. Here are a few side effects of sleep deprivation: Cognitive impairment There is plenty of research suggesting a link between cognitive health and sleep. Studies suggest that short-term cognitive impacts on sleep include feeling groggy, fatigued, and drowsy. But other side effects are also studied, like how poor sleep can reduce a person’s attention span, affecting their processing and learning abilities. Slowed-down thinking and reaction time are also associated with a lack of sleep.Some long-term side effects of poor sleep are cognitive decline, memory issues, and dementia. REM sleep is crucial for a well-rested night because REM sleep is believed to help boost procedural memory in the brain. This means that it can help recall the sequence of steps in general. These sequences help keep the memory of things and daily life intact. Even studies suggest that those who cannot get proper sleep can also form false memories that can be dangerous. Mental and emotional disturbance It seems evident that poor sleep can lead to emotional disturbance in the smallest forms, like feeling irritated or frustrated at the smallest things, mood swings, and increased sensitivity to stressors. In fact, chronic sleep deprivation is also linked with higher rates of depression, anxiety, emotional instability, bipolar disorder, and other similar conditions.There are two stages of brain activity during sleep. One is the NREM, which is non-rapid eye movement, the stage where brain activity slows down.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that causes common cold-like symptoms. Generally, it affects those with weakened immunities, such as infants and older adults, more than others. Although people with this condition recover from it within a week or two, it can become dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems. For children especially, people must sense certain warning signs of this condition at an early stage. Here are a few warning signs: Runny nose RSV is known to cause inflammation in a child’s upper respiratory tract which consists of the nose and throat. Children with early-stage RSV will have an excessive amount of mucus produced in their bodies, causing them to blow their noses every now and again. Like many other symptoms of RSV, this one also closely resembles those related to a common cold. Decreased appetite The cold-like symptoms of RSV make it difficult for children to taste and smell food components properly. Additionally, the virus also tends to block kids’ throats with an excessive amount of phlegm. This causes them to have great difficulty not only in eating, drinking, and swallowing meals and drinks, but also completely takes away their sensory enjoyment of all foods. As a result, children with RSV will slowly experience a progressive reduction of appetite. The parents and other relatives responsible for such kids must ensure that they are fed despite their lack of appetite. Not feeding them would result in eventual weakness and a loss of muscle mass, both of which can have other adverse health reactions for them. Incessant coughing, wheezing, and sneezing in babies Babies are at great risk of experiencing some of the severe RSV symptoms. A clear indicator that one’s infant may have RSV is incessant coughing and sneezing. Both these symptoms are a result of the inflammation that RSV brings about in the baby’s sinus areas, lungs, and throat.

As the holiday season draws near, many shoppers search for the finest bargains on appliances to enhance their homes. Similarly, Black Friday sales feature significant discounts on everything, from cutting-edge refrigerators to high-powered cooking ranges. However, specific categories of appliances are more in demand than others, and these products are offered mainly at unbeatable prices. Here are a few of the top appliances in demand for this year’s Black Friday. Refrigerators Wayfair, Home Depot, and Amazon offer significant discounts on high-priced items. In the previous year, customers could save nearly $1,000 on top-brand refrigerators. Top-freezer refrigerators: This classic style of refrigerator is commonly preferred by consumers. It’s a perfect no-frills option for those looking for a basic fridge. Bottom-freezer refrigerators: Adding a bottom-freezer refrigerator to the kitchen can be a convenient choice, regardless of the size or style. Unlike top freezer refrigerators that keep frozen foods at eye level, bottom freezer refrigerators are perfect for those who mainly cook with fresh ingredients. Additionally, they are more affordable than other options, and with Black Friday sales, the prices are even more reduced. Side-by-side refrigerators give easy access to the freezer and fridge. Moreover, the doors of these refrigerators are narrower compared to others. These are suitable for kitchens with space constraints. Vacuum cleaners From premium models to budget ones, vacuum cleaners of every price range go on sale during the Thanksgiving sale period. Last year saw significant retailers offering steep discounts on different types of vacuum cleaners. For example, Target offered a massive 50% off on original retail prices. These included robot, handheld, and upright vacuums from top-selling brands. Washers & dryers Many major stores such as Best Buy, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s have offered incredible deals on washers and dryers, usually pricier during the non-sale period. In previous years, the discounts ranged from 30% to a massive 55% on these popular types of washers and dryers.

A low blood sugar level is a condition referred to as hypoglycemia. This condition is recognized when the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl, and steps are needed to bring it back up to a healthy number. This type of blood sugar drop is especially common in type 1 diabetes. Some symptoms can help diagnose low blood sugar levels that impact health, and here are some observations to keep in mind. 1. Extreme hunger This is one of the typical signs and symptoms of a low blood sugar level. This is the body’s way of communicating that it needs food to raise its glucose levels. Some people may eat sugary substances to get that spike, but other foods can also help raise the glucose level. Carbohydrates help solve this issue; however, eating the right amount of carbohydrates to help in this situation is essential and can vary from person to person. So, always consult a nutritionist to know how to manage glucose levels when this symptom occurs. 2. Restless nights Nocturnal hypoglycemia is the term used to describe low blood sugar levels at night in a diabetic person. In this, the individual may experience signs and symptoms like night sweats, unrest, and confusion once awake, as well as episodes of waking up suddenly. Some experts suggest that taking a small snack before bed can help with these symptoms, but always consult a doctor to know what amount is recommended, as a sudden spike in glucose may be too much. 3. Tremors Tremors and shakes are other signs and symptoms that should be observed. Research suggests that low blood sugar levels activate the autonomic nervous system. 4. Anxiety According to research, when glucose levels go too low in the body, a hormone called epinephrine is released. This is also called adrenaline.